UPPER CHICHESTER TWP., PA — A 32-year-old man turned himself in Thursday in connection with a theft investigation involving suspects posing as utility workers, police said.
Upper Chichester Township Police reported that Ryan Gabbert, 32, surrendered on April 30 following an arrest warrant issued April 6 by Linwood District Court under docket number CR-129-2026.
Police said the investigation began April 6 at approximately 10:30 a.m., when officers responded to a reported theft in progress involving Verizon wire near Meetinghouse Road.
According to police, a witness reported two males allegedly posing as utility workers while removing cable from a utility pole before fleeing in a red Dodge Ram with Delaware registration.
Police reported that license plate reader technology helped track the vehicle toward Delaware.
According to investigators, a detective later located the suspects allegedly cutting additional cable, and with assistance from partner agencies, the vehicle was stopped shortly afterward.
Police said Gabbert and a second individual, identified as Lawrence Holmes, were taken into custody while still wearing reflective gear, and officers recovered multiple sections of cable reported stolen from the truck.
Authorities reported the individuals were turned over to Delaware State Police, and additional charges remain pending in multiple jurisdictions.
Gabbert has been charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, and theft of secondary metal.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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